Canada Might Deport Working International Students

Canada has always been a welcoming country to Indians and other nationals. But the recent series of events are worrying for international students working in Canada. The turmoil started after a Sikh student was arrested in Canada for “working too hard”. He is now facing deportation.

This is the story of Jobandeep Singh Sandhu, 22. He was driving a long haul truck from Montreal to Toronto in December 2017 while he was pulled over. The police arrested him for working overtime. He was handed over to the immigration department who found out that he was working more than the 20-hour off-campus limit. Students living in Canada are only allowed to work 20 hours per week during their academic year.

Jobandeep is originally from India and resides in Canada for pursuing mechanical engineering degrees from Canadore College in Mississauga. He is facing deportation when his graduation ceremony is in 10 days.

Thousands of people in Canada have come ahead to support Jobandeep. A Petition has been signed by tens of thousands demanding the government to stop Sandhu’s deportation. The main issue is the 20-hour work rule deemed to be irrational by many.

International students are only permitted to work outside after the academic year or during spring and summer breaks.

Sandhu says that the price tag of $27000 to $30000 per year is too much compared to $9000 for domestic students. This forced him to work overtime. Sandhu added that he came to Canada to work and settle here, but he is now being punished for working. He is calling out the Canadian government to at least grant temporary resident status to him and other students coming to Canada with dreams.

His Supporters Stand with His Ideas

The Migrant Worker Alliance for Change is a worker union group who stands strong with Jobandeep. One of the coordinators of the group, Syed Hussain, says it’s irrational to put a limit on the number of hours international students can work when they are being charged thrice the amount for education. Syed wants the government to provide permanent resident status to all legal immigrants in Canada.

The immigration office of Canada released a statement saying anyone who hopes to work full time while studying in the country should first apply for a work permit.

Syed stands against this idea as the work permits are rarely granted and can take up to six months to approve. He says permanent residency is the right way. Syed put the point forward that the country cannot be a multi-tire economy with so many immigrants. There needs to be a single system for all people.

The international students in Canada contributed over $15.5 billion to the economy in 2016. Despite the huge play in the economy, International students constantly face a litany of abuses at the workplace. There are too many restrictions and permit requirements.

With the support of thousands of people, Sandhu has received his diploma before deportation orders. The Alliance group is hopeful that the immigration minister will understand the outrage and stop the deportation in time.

Syed says the group has now been contacted by more than 900 students with their own stories of discrimination and injustice. Group prepares to help each of them once Jobandeep Sandhu gets justice.

Apply for an international scholarship in Canada

• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships for Canadian and Foreign Citizens
  The Government of Canada is providing the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship program for Canadian and foreign citizens. Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and foreign citizens are eligible to apply. Up to 70 fellowships are awarded annually. Fellowships worth of $70,000 per year (taxable) will be awarded. The application deadline is September 18, 2019.
• President’s Scholarship for World Leaders for International Students in Canada
  International students can apply for the President’s Funding program for World Leaders offered by Winnipeg University. These 53 opportunities are available for the candidates from around the world who enrolled in a full-time graduate and undergraduate degree program at the university. The candidate will receive the amount worth up to $5000. The application deadline is June 1, 2019.
• High School Student Grade 11 Merit Award at the University of Lethbridge, Canada
  Are you currently in Grade 11? If yes, then the High School Student Grade 11 Merit Award is available at the University of Lethbridge. The program is open to all high school students from around the world who wish to attend the University of Lethbridge. The scholarship is offering $800 for 80% and higher or $500 for 75-79.9%. The application deadline is June 30, 2019.
• MPOWER Nursing Scholarship for International Students
  Want to study in Canada but crave for funding? You will be happy to know that the MPOWER Financing Company is accepting applications for the MPOWER Nursing program. To be eligible for this grant, you must be an international citizen who wishes to study in Canada or the U.S. The award will be awarded worth up to $5,000, $2,000 and $1,000. The application deadline is June 30, 2019.
• David Johnston – Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards in Canada
  The University of Waterloo is providing the David Johnston – Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards. The program is open to support the high achieving Canadian and International students who want to study an undergraduate and graduate degree program in any Faculty at Waterloo. The university will provide up to $2,500, $2,500 to $5,000 and $10,000. The application deadline is July 15, 2019, or November 15, 2019.